Hypertext Webster Gateway: "peep"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Peep \Peep\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Peeped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Peeping}.] [Of imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen, F. piper,
p['e]pier, L. pipire, pipare, pipiare, D. & G. piepen. Senses
2 and 3 perhaps come from a transfer of sense from the sound
which chickens make upon the first breaking of the shell to
the act accompanying it; or perhaps from the influence of
peek, or peak. Cf. {Pipe}.]
1. To cry, as a chicken hatching or newly hatched; to chirp;
to cheep.

There was none that moved the wing, or opened the
mouth, or peeped. --Is. x. 14.

2. To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to
make the first appearance.

When flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms
bear. --Dryden.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Peep \Peep\, n.
1. The cry of a young chicken; a chirp.

2. First outlook or appearance.

Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn. --Gray.

3. A sly look; a look as through a crevice, or from a place
of concealment.

To take t' other peep at the stars. --Swift.

4. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) Any small sandpiper, as the least sandpiper ({Trigna
minutilla}).
(b) The European meadow pipit ({Anthus pratensis}).

{Peep show}, a small show, or object exhibited, which is
viewed through an orifice or a magnifying glass.

{Peep-o'-day boys}, the Irish insurgents of 1784; -- so
called from their visiting the house of the loyal Irish at
day break in search of arms. [Cant]

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

peep
n 1: the short weak cry of a young bird [syn: {cheep}]
2: a secret look [syn: {peek}]
v : look furtively [syn: {peek}]


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